Canada just updated its travel advisories for multiple Caribbean spots due to a viral disease

If you're planning a spring getaway to the Caribbean, you might want to take a look at Canada's latest travel advisories. Officials recently updated a number of travel notices to include a heads-up about rising dengue fever cases in several popular vacation spots, including destinations like Cuba, Mexico and the Dominican Republic.

On Tuesday, March 18, the Government of Canada updated its travel health notice on dengue fever, urging travellers to be aware of potential risks if they're travelling to affected areas.

"Many travel destinations are reporting increasing numbers of dengue cases," the notice explains, adding that the risk of dengue can change seasonally and vary from year to year.

Canadian travellers were initially warned about dengue back in September 2024, when officials shared that the number of cases is climbing in tropical and subtropical areas around the world. That includes some popular vacation destinations for Canadians, like the Dominican Republic, Cuba, Jamaica, and Saint Lucia.

The good news is the advisory is currently at Level 1, which means there's no need to panic or cancel your plans, but you should definitely take some basic health precautions.

Officials say dengue fever is a virus spread by mosquitoes. If someone does get infected, symptoms usually show up four to seven days after being bitten and can stick around for about a week. It can feel a lot like the flu, with high fever, severe headache, pain behind the eyes, muscle and joint pain, nausea, vomiting, and rash.

Most people recover quickly, but in rare cases, dengue can become severe and lead to more serious issues like internal bleeding, difficulty breathing, or severe abdominal pain. If you've had dengue before, your risk of getting a more serious version increases.

The updated notice applies to dozens of countries, but for Canadian travellers, the Caribbean is a key area of concern. That includes vacation hotspots like the Dominican Republic, Cuba, Jamaica, Saint Lucia, Saint Kitts and Nevis, and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, among others.

Other places on the list include Mexico, Costa Rica, Panama, and even parts of South America like Colombia and Brazil.

There's no vaccine or medication available in Canada to prevent dengue, and there's no specific treatment for it either. The best thing you can do is protect yourself from mosquito bites. That means packing bug spray with approved insect repellent, wearing light-coloured, loose-fitting clothes that cover your skin, and sleeping in fully enclosed spaces — or under mosquito netting if you're staying somewhere more open-air.

Before travelling, the government suggests visiting a healthcare provider or travel health clinic, ideally about six weeks before departure. Even if your trip is coming up soon, it's still worthwhile to get advice on how to stay safe.

Travellers are also encouraged to register with the Registration of Canadians Abroad service to stay connected with Canadian officials in the event of an emergency.

After returning home, anyone who develops symptoms such as fever, nausea, or a rash should contact a healthcare provider and mention their recent travel. Because dengue shares symptoms with other illnesses, including malaria, it's important to get tested for an accurate diagnosis.

This article's cover image was used for illustrative purposes only.

Before you get going, check out our Responsible Travel Guide so you can be informed, be safe, be smart, and most of all, be respectful on your adventure.